Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility has received the highest possible rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), earning 5 stars in all three categories—health inspections, staffing and quality measures—for the first time in all three simultaneously.
This elite designation places Bay Bluffs among the top-rated care facilities in the nation on Care Compare (medicare.gov/care-compare), CMS’s comprehensive resource for evaluating nursing homes. Earning 5-star ratings in each category is a significant accomplishment, especially in a time of increased regulatory scrutiny and ongoing pandemic repercussions.
“This rating reflects not only our standard of care, but our culture of accountability, compassion and community,” shares Lisa Ashley, Bay Bluffs Administrator. “It’s a proud moment for our team and a powerful affirmation of the work we do every day.”
Bay Bluffs has long been recognized for outstanding care and workplace culture, including past accolades from U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, and regional honors. Most recently, Bay Bluffs was named the Northern Michigan Community Choice Award winner for Best Benefits, highlighting the organization’s commitment to supporting and retaining an exceptional workforce.
This latest CMS rating aligns with Bay Bluffs’ ongoing efforts to grow and support its healthcare team. From launching new initiatives like the Medication Aide Certification Program to investing in partnerships with North Central Michigan College that create career pathways in healthcare, Bay Bluffs is actively shaping the future of elder care in northern Michigan.
“We know how to take care of people,” explains Ashley. “This 5-star recognition honors the excellence of our current team—and it helps attract the kind of dedicated professionals who want to make a difference. It’s a powerful recruitment tool for those considering a career change or seeking a workplace that values both people and performance.”
“At Bay Bluffs, excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a standard,” she concludes.
Bay Bluffs – Emmet County Medical Care Facility is a community-based, long-term care facility with over five decades of service to the region. Colleagues utilize “Positive Approach to Care” training and techniques for residents with dementia to live safely and happily. Bay Bluffs is also a highly regarded choice for short-term rehabilitation. Located in Harbor Springs, one of the Midwest’s most favored destinations, Bay Bluffs is in the heart of this vibrant center of culture, art, and abundant natural beauty.